Townshend Dam
Key Takeaway
Townshend Dam is classified as high hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 126 ft (taller than 98.3% in VT) |
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 54.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 95 acres |
| Drainage Area | 278 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 201,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | VT00004 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Kenny Pond
Windham, VT
Significant Hazard 12 ftBurbee Pond
Windham, VT
Low Hazard 13 ftBall Mountain Dam
Windham, VT
High Hazard 247 ftSunset Lake
Windham, VT
Significant Hazard 10 ftNorth Branch Fire District No. 1
Windham, VT
Significant Hazard 33 ftHolbrook
Windham, VT
Low Hazard 14 ftGale Meadows
Windham, VT
Significant Hazard 30 ftStrattonwald
Bennington, VT
Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Townshend Dam?
Townshend Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Townshend Dam?
Townshend Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Townshend Dam built?
Townshend Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Townshend Dam?
Townshend Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Townshend Dam?
Townshend Dam has a dam height of 126 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Townshend Dam last inspected?
Townshend Dam was last inspected on June 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.